On October 4th and 5th, 2024, the 1882 Foundation and friends completed the 6th annual trip to the Summit Tunnel in the Sierra Nevada mountains. After departing from the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento early Saturday morning, the tour group of 54 attendees, 1882 staff, and tour guides took off for the mountains. On the first day, the group visited Bloomer Cut, the Secret Town Trestle, and lastly, Donner Summit. At each of these locations, tour guide Phil Sexton, gave fantastic historical explanations of the building of the railroad and the working conditions that the Chinese workers faced. At Donner Summit, guests were able to look at various remnants of the Chinese workers at the Summit Camp, such as pieces of medicine bottles and rice bowls. Along the hike, the Summit Tunnel was highlighted as well as the China Wall. This year, the tour group was greeted by a Swiss Alpine Horn concert that happened to be playing atop the Donner Summit at the same time as the hike!
After a night of rest in Reno, the travelers went all aboard the tour bus once again to see various small Chinatowns between Donner Summit and Sacramento, such as Truckee, Dutch Flat, and Auburn. The second day of the trip was led by Professor Beth Au. Upon returning to Sacramento Sunday afternoon, guests had the option to take a tour of the California State Railroad Museum.
An exciting weekend well spent in the mountains surrounded by history and the company of new and old friends. Many expressed their gratitude for the opportunities to explore such significant sites and learn more about the Chinese contributions to the railroad. The 1882 Foundation looks forward to seeing you the next time we Return to Gold Mountain!